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Science News Archive April 2021


Page 22 of 46

Surpassing the lower limit on computing energy consumption

Researchers have found that using topological insulators in transistors could reduce switching energy by half and the overall energy used by each transistor by a factor of four. This breakthrough could lead to substantial reductions in computing energy consumption, as the industry continues to strive for sustainable technologies.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

The auditory system tracks moving sounds

The brain's auditory system actively tracks the velocity of a sound, just like the visual system. This study reveals that people can improve their ability to track moving sounds over time.

New factor in the development of psoriasis discovered

A research team identified a new factor in the immune system's signal transmission that contributes to psoriasis development. The 'c-Jun' protein in dendritic cells promotes psoriatic skin inflammation, which can be alleviated by inhibiting this protein.

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Association between hearing loss, physical activity

A study analyzed the association between hearing loss and level of physical activity among U.S. adults aged 60 to 69. The findings suggest a significant positive correlation, indicating that lower levels of physical activity may be associated with an increased risk of hearing loss in older adults.

Making spaces on the high street for clothing repairs

Researchers propose marketing sewing as a wellbeing activity and using technology to encourage consumers to adopt slower fashion habits. The study suggests that creating spaces for clothing repair on high streets could help reduce fast fashion's negative environmental impacts.

Federal policy to reduce deaths from sepsis was mostly ineffective

A large-scale evaluation of a federal policy aimed at reducing deaths from sepsis found that it was mostly ineffective in improving patient outcomes. Despite significant investments, the 'all or none' guidelines, known as SEP-1, did not translate to clinically meaningful changes in care delivery or reductions in deaths.

UW researchers studying how to make online arguments productive

UW researchers studied how to make online arguments more productive and centered around relationship-building. They found that people want to have difficult conversations online, but often avoid them due to lack of nuance or space for discussion. The team developed 12 potential technological design interventions, including democratizin...

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Where's my horse-sized rabbit?

A research team at Kyoto University investigated the fossil record and evolutionary history of lagomorphs to answer why they don't rival horse sizes. They found that larger herbivore competitors and energetic disadvantage hindered their growth, with body sizes of ungulates being a key predictor.

Attacking aortic aneurysms before they grow

A team of researchers has discovered that JMJD3 enzyme promotes inflammation in monocyte/macrophages, leading to the development of abdominal aortic aneurysms. Blocking this enzyme prevents aneurysm formation, providing a potential new target for treatment.

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Single metasurface for simultaneous detection of SAM and OAM

A team of scientists has developed a single spin-decoupled metasurface that can distinguish between spatial angular moment (SAM) and orbital angular momentum (OAM) modes. The device exploits the geometric phase and dynamic phase to transform vortex beams into focusing patterns, enabling simultaneous detection of SAM and OAM.

Delineating epileptic tissue using EEG fast oscillations

Researchers developed a method to localize epileptic tissue using EEG fast oscillations, differentiating pathological from nonepileptiform signals. High-frequency oscillations riding spikes provide a potential tool for presurgical diagnosis and postsurgical evaluation.

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

UK waters are home again to the bluefin tuna

Atlantic bluefin tuna numbers appear to be increasing in UK waters after a long period of decline. Researchers have documented this growth using data from citizen scientists, eco-tourism vessels, and fisheries records, revealing that these fish arrive in May and stay until January, with peak sightings between August and October each year.

Racial violence and the mental health of Black Americans

A new study analyzes the impact of highly publicized acts of racial violence on the mental health of Black Americans. Research suggests that experiencing racism, even vicariously, can harm mental and physical health, and that highly publicized anti-Black violence is strongly associated with poor mental health days among Black respondents.

Materials advances are key to development of quantum hardware

Researchers emphasize the need for material advances in quantum computing hardware to create complex qubits. The study explores various materials and proposes strategies for tackling technological challenges. Sophisticated control of these materials is crucial for achieving quantum advantage.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

The perfect fit: A 'shoe-in' for a great start to school

A new study by the University of South Australia reveals that shoes one size too small restrict normal foot movement and comfort during walking. Well-fitted school shoes are crucial for children's comfort and participation in everyday activities.

Surprising ionic and flow behaviors with functionalized nanochannels

University of Maryland researchers have made surprising discoveries about the behavior of functionalized nanochannels, including the phenomenon of overscreening, where a negatively charged polymer layer can become positively charged due to attraction of positive ions. The team also found that increasing the electric field strength can ...

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Publicized racial violence and Black mental health

A study found that highly publicized anti-Black violence is associated with increased poor mental health days among Black individuals in the US. Reducing such violence may benefit Black mental health nationwide, according to researchers.

Deaths rising in workers using methylene chloride paint strippers

A comprehensive review of US fatalities linked to methylene chloride paint strippers reveals more deaths than expected, with 85 reported between 1980 and 2018, most in occupational settings. Safer alternatives are available, and experts urge the EPA to limit use and prevent further deaths.

Ocean currents modulate oxygen content at the equator

The Equatorial Undercurrent has strengthened by over 20% since 2008, leading to increased oxygen concentrations and a habitat expansion for tropical pelagic fish. The strengthening of the current is mainly caused by strengthening trade winds in the western tropical North Atlantic.

Common plants and pollinators act as anchors for ecosystems

Common generalist plants and pollinators play a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity and serving as buffers against climate change impacts. A study by University of Colorado Boulder researchers found that these species can persist over time and across landscapes, supporting robust communities and resilience to local extinctions.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Incongruent messaging key to getting people to register as organ donors

A new study from the UBC Sauder School of Business found that a subtle shift in organ donor messaging can lead to a significant boost in registration. By combining descriptive and injunctive norms, registrations increased by 70%, suggesting that emphasizing low numbers while highlighting high support motivates people to register.

Gender-affirming hormone therapy may increase risk of high blood pressure

A study found that gender-affirming hormone therapy can lead to changes in blood pressure among transgender men and women, with an average decrease in systolic blood pressure for women and increase for men. The study highlights the importance of monitoring blood pressure and preventive measures in this patient population.

Ice cap study promises new prospects for accurate local climate projections

Researchers from the University of Copenhagen gathered data from the Renland Ice Cap, combining airborne radar, on-site measurements, and satellite data to create a more accurate model. This study now allows for greater precision in projecting local climate conditions for smaller ice caps and glaciers around the world.

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Biomarker for COVID-19 risk

Researchers identified serum amyloid A (SAA) as a potential biomarker for COVID-19 risk, with higher levels associated with increased inflammation, clot abnormalities, and organ damage. This biomarker could help facilitate early identification of patients requiring aggressive management and monitoring.

World's fastest photo-exfoliation

Researchers at Osaka City University have developed a method to exfoliate materials using UV light, achieving the world's fastest rate of 260 microseconds. This breakthrough has the potential to revolutionize photoactuator production and enable precise manipulation in areas inaccessible to traditional power sources.

Corals go hungry long before they bleach

Researchers found that prolonged warm water causes coral heat stress, disrupting nutrient cycling and leading to starved corals. Monitoring nutritional status can help anticipate bleaching problems.

Run, process, run!

Researchers create nanostructured bimetallic catalysts with enhanced activity and stability, offering a cost-effective alternative to noble metal-based catalysts. The new material is stabilized on a conductive surface using a polymeric material, enabling predictable catalysis performance.

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Scientists find Galapagos volcano could help forecast future eruptions

Researchers have gained new insights into volcanic behavior and can now track unrest before eruptions, enabling early warnings for local authorities and the public. The study provides a detailed description of Sierra Negra's 2018 eruption, capturing its inflation, fracture, and caldera resurgence.

Heart patients advised to move more to avoid heart attacks and strokes

A large study found that increasing physical activity levels is associated with a reduced likelihood of heart events and mortality in people with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes. Participants who showed moderate to large improvements in physical activity were 30% less likely to develop cardiovascular disease or die ...

Alpine plants are losing their white "protective coat"

Alpine plants are losing their white protective coat as snow cover melts earlier, extending the growing season and increasing frost risk. By the end of the century, continuous snow cover for 30 days below 1,600 meters is expected to be rare.

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Study sheds light on stellar origin of 60Fe

Researchers have made significant progress in understanding the stellar beta-decay rate of 59Fe, which is essential for predicting the yield of 60Fe in massive stars. By measuring this rate, they eliminated a major nuclear uncertainty and found that the yield of 60Fe is 40% less than previously predicted.

Hidden magma pools pose eruption risks that we can't yet detect

Researchers have discovered surprisingly shallow magma pools too small to be detected by common volcano monitoring equipment, posing new risks for eruptions. These hidden magma bodies challenge conventional views of magma detection and may lead to more explosive eruptions than expected.

ACS Spring 2021 press conference schedule

New methods to detect doping compounds in urine samples using ion mobility-mass spectrometry will help regulatory agencies track existing dopants and future 'designer' compounds. Baltic amber's therapeutic effects have been pinpointed, potentially leading to new medicines for antibiotic-resistant infections. Scientists also report a wa...

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

New understanding of the deleterious immune response in rheumatoid arthritis

Researchers at Monash University have made a significant breakthrough in understanding the deleterious immune response in rheumatoid arthritis. By examining the molecular and cellular levels of T cell recognition, the team identified an immune signature that may provide a potential avenue for diagnostic development or therapeutic inter...